Ministry of Culture
PM addresses on occasion of 150th Birth Anniversary of Shri Vijay Vallabh Surishwar Ji via video message
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Aparigraha is not only renunciation but also controlling all kinds of attachment:PM
A Commemorative Coin and postage Stamp on Guru Vallabh released on the occasion
Spread of terrorism can be stopped by embracing this concept of ‘Live and Let Live’: Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal
Ministry of Culture, under the aegis of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav and in association with Shri Aatm Vallabh Jain Smarak Nidhi, celebrated the Saardh Janm Shatabdi Mahamahotsav  of Jainacharya Shree Vijay Vallabh Surishwer on 26th October 2022 at Vallabh Smarak Jain Mandir Tirth, Delhi.
A video message from Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was played at the event, and Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Union Minister of State for Culture & Parliamentary Affairs graced the event as the Chief guest. Esteemed guests paid a visit to Jainacharya Vijay Vallabh Surishwer Ji Auditorium cum Multi-Purpose Hall by esteemed guests for shilanyas.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister bowed before bearers of the saint tradition in India, and all the believers of the Jain faith across the world. Shri Modi expressed delight upon getting the opportunity to be in the company of numerous saints and seek their blessings. The Prime Minister remembered the time in Gujarat when he had the opportunity to listen to Santvani in Vadodara and Chhota Udaipur's Kanwat village.
Recalling the beginning of celebrations of the 150th birth anniversary of Acharya Shri Vijay Vallabh Surishwar Ji, the Prime Minister informed about the privilege he had of unveiling the statue of Acharya Ji Maharaj. “Today once again I am amongst you saints with the help of technology”, the Prime Minister remarked. He underlined that a commemorative postage stamp and coin dedicated to Acharya Shri Vijay Vallabh Surishwar Ji has been released today with the objective of connecting the masses to spiritual consciousness, the life philosophy of Acharya Shri Vijay Vallabh Surishwar Maharaj Sahib. The Prime Minister further added that the two-year-long celebrations are now coming to an end and the campaign launched to increase faith, spirituality, patriotism and national power is commendable.
Remarking on the present geopolitical scenario in the world, the Prime Minister said, “Today the world is experiencing the crisis of war, terror and violence, and looking for inspiration and encouragement to break out of this vicious circle.” Shri Modi highlighted that in such a situation, it is the ancient traditions and philosophy coupled with the power of today's India that is turning out to be a big hope for the world. He further added that the path shown by Acharya Shri Vijay Vallabh Surishwar and the teachings of Jain gurus is the solution to these global crises. “Acharya Ji lived a life of non-violence, solitude and renunciation, and made constant efforts to spread faith in people towards these ideas is inspirational to all of us”, Shri Modi said. He highlighted that Acharya Ji’s insistence on peace and harmony was clearly visible even during the horrors of partition. Due to this, Acharya Shri had to break the fast of Chaturmas. The Prime Minister drew the similarity with Mahatma Gandhi who, in the freedom movement, adopted the path of ‘aparigraha’ as laid down by the Acharyas. He said, “Aparigraha is not only renunciation but also controlling all kinds of attachment.”
The Prime Minister pointed out, as mentioned by Gachadhipati Jainacharya Shri Vijay Nityanand Surishwar Ji, that Gujarat has given two Vallabhs to the country. He said, “It is a coincidence that today the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Acharya Ji are being completed, and after a few days we are going to celebrate Sardar Patel's birth anniversary, National Unity Day.” The Prime Minister highlighted that the 'Statue of Peace' is one of the largest statues of saints and the ‘Statue of Unity’ is the tallest statue in the world. Shri Modi said, “These are not just tall statues, but they are also the greatest symbol of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.” Throwing light on the contributions of the two Vallabhs, the Prime Minister highlighted that Sardar Sahib had united the India which was divided into princely states while Acharya Ji travelled to different parts of the country and strengthened the unity, integrity and culture of India.
Highlighting how religious tradition and indigenous products can be promoted simultaneously, the Prime Minister quoted Acharya Ji and said “The prosperity of a country is dependent on its economic prosperity, and by adopting indigenous products, one can keep the art, culture and civilization of India alive.” He further added that Acharya Ji’s clothes used to be white and always made of Khadi. The Prime Minister underlined that the message of Swadeshi and self-reliance is extremely relevant in the Azadi ka Amritkaal. He said, “This is the mantra of progress for self-reliant India. Therefore, from Acharya Vijay Vallabh Surishwar Ji to the present Gachhadhipati Acharya Shri Nityanand Surishwar Ji, this path has been reinforced, we have to strengthen it further.”
Click here for full speech of PM
On the occasion Minister of State for Culture Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal said it was through the efforts of everyone that the release of Coin and stamp has been made possible. He also said that in Jain philosophy there is a concept of ‘Live and let live’ and today the spread of terrorism can be stopped by embracing this concept. He also highlighted the importance of Nonviolence and truth for spreading compassion among humankind.
The event commemorated the life and teachings of Guru Vallabh ji. He worked much beyond the normal rigorous life of a Jain Saint and took upon himself to ameliorate the masses through education, social reforms, inclusive and participative approach to tackle burning issues and problems apart from spiritual enlightenment of his disciples. Born at Vadodara in 1870 AD to Shri Deep Chand Ji and Smt. Icchya Bai, he found peace and happiness in listening to the sermons of Jain saints and these inclinations led Him to sainthood at the tender age of 17.
The commemoration under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav witnessed beautiful performances by students from Jain Bharati Mrigavati Vidyalay , an inspiring prawachan by the present Gachhadhipati of Vijay Vallabh Suri Samuday – Jainacharya Shree Vijay Nityanand Surishwer Ji M.S. which was streamed live from Chennai, and release of Commemorative Coin and postage Stamp on Guru Vallabh by Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal. The day ended with addresses by Chief guest and guests of honour, and a Bhangra performance by students of JMV on “Vallabh Ji Taranhar hue”.